What Is Dyspraxia

Dyspraxia is a serious health problem that can be suffered by anyone. Those who have it face problems with their movements and coordination. It is also known as “motor learning disability," though in the past it was referred to by such names as Clumsy Child Syndrome or Minimal Brain Damage.

With new understanding, these terms are no longer used. Dyspraxia also sometimes produces language problems and difficulty in learning new things. It is not a defect of intelligence, however, as some people with the condition are quite smart. They just have trouble expressing their thoughts.

In dyspraxia, the brain does not work properly in a variety of ways. One of the most devastating defects is the inability to process memory correctly. Many sufferers have extreme difficulty retaining memory of recent events. Therefore, they are unable to plan, as they can't remember what they were supposed to do or how to do it. Doctors say that 10% of the people of the world may have dysphraxia, but only 2% of the people are classified as severe cases. Children affected with this condition are overwhelmingly boys, though it's not unheard of in girls. The condition is so common that it is likely that there is a student with it sitting in every classroom in the world.

Children who suffer from dysphraxia exhibit the following symptoms:

• An inability to sit still for long periods
• Slow walking speed compared to other children
• Standing and speaking slowly
• Poor vocabulary
• Difficulty in coordinating their movements and in answering questions

Scientists aren't sure what causes dysphraxia. Some experts believe that the motor neurons that control muscles don't develop properly in the fetus as it's growing. If the motor neurons don't connect properly, the brain will take a lot of time to process movement information. Whatever causes it, the condition is not curable. However, there are some treatments available that can lessen its impact. If you suspect your child may have this condition, the best thing you can do is take him or her to a doctor for a definitive diagnosis. Once a diagnosis is obtained, occupational therapy can begin that can help your child learn to better control his movements and work with his disability. 

Here is an excellent video depicting the Brown family who has 2 young sons with global dyspraxia

This is another video featuring the challenges a mother faces living with a dyspraxia child